Application Instructions
Thank you for your interest in being a part of the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist initiative.
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist promotes awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the natural
environment by developing a local corps of well‐informed citizens dedicated to natural resource conservation in
their communities. Citizen volunteers are essential in helping facilitate education programs; for managing parks
and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts. This year-round
experience will enable you to become an active and integral part of conservation efforts in your community.
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a cooperative initiative with regional conservation and community
organizations collaborating on program development and growth. Some partners host the volunteer training
courses at their facility and others contribute to the growth and development of the program by advising on
curriculum development, assisting with marketing and visibility, and offering expert instruction. All
correspondence with regards to the program should be directed to the Program Coordinator for PA Master
Naturalist (amccormick@pamasternaturalist.org).
WHAT IS A PENNSYLVANIA MASTER NATURALIST?
A Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is an individual with a passion for the natural world who participates in an
intensive training program and uses his or her knowledge to give back to the community through volunteer
service. The program has three components: the initial 55-hour volunteer training course, volunteer service
hours, and advanced training classes.
Natural Science Training: All Master Naturalists will receive in-depth training in natural history, natural sciences,
biodiversity, and nature interpretation during the 55-hour Volunteer Core Training Course.
Service Hours: Service hours give Master Naturalists an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have
learned during the training and an opportunity to actively engage in conservation work in their community (30
hour minimum in year one, 20 hour minimum annually thereafter).
Advanced Training (elective hours): Continuing education is an important part of a naturalist’s life, therefore we
require a certain number of credit hours each year on specialized topics (8 hours in year one, 12 annually
thereafter).
DURATION
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training is a lifelong journey measured with annual training and volunteer
service requirements.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Adults interested in deepening their knowledge of and connection to the natural world and the local
conservation community through natural science education and volunteer service. Enrollment in the
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program is selective. Selection is based on the content of the application, an
applicant interview, and personal references to determine how well the applicant meets the criteria listed below.
Qualifications:
1. Must be 18 years old or older.
2. Have a background or strong interest in natural history.
3. Be enthusiastic about natural resource education, conservation and stewardship.
4. Possess or be able to learn communication skills.
5. Enjoy public speaking or working with the public.
6. Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others.
7. Have a desire to contribute volunteer service toward the conservation of natural resources and natural
areas within your community.
8. Previous volunteer or community service experience preferred.
VOLUNTEER CORE TRAINING COURSE REGIONAL OPTIONS
Participation in each volunteer training course is limited to 12 participants. The following are tentative Spring
and Fall Courses and application deadlines.
Spring 2013 Volunteer Training Courses: application deadline: January 14, 2013
Philadelphia County
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Philadelphia, PA
Bucks County
Bucks Country Conservation District and Bucks County Audubon Society, New Hope, PA
Lancaster County
Lancaster County Conservancy, Lancaster, PA
Fall 2013 Volunteer Training Courses: application deadline June 18, 2013
Chester County
Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA
Bucks County
Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol, PA
APPLYING
We will accept applications any time prior to the deadline of January 14, 2013 for the spring training course and
June 18, 2013 for the Fall & Winter training Courses. We will review applications and notify participants of their
acceptance by phone no later than 31 days before the start of the field school. Selected applicants will receive
a packet with more information about the program and with additional forms to be returned, including a health
history form and program rules and policies. Those applicants not selected will be notified after all spots have
been filled.
Once all openings are filled for a particular training course, we will place competitive applicants in their second
or third preferred training course or on a waiting list if there is no space available in any training courses. Being
placed on a wait list, does not guarantee a spot in the program. If a selected applicant cancels, the selection
committee will consider waitlisted applicants. If no current spots become open, waitlisted applicants are
encouraged to reapply in the future.
If offered the opportunity to participate in the program, we ask that you confirm and accept the position within
three (3) days of notification. You may contact the program coordinator by phone or email. If you do not accept
the position within this period, we may offer the position to another candidate.
PAYMENT
TUITION
Tuition for this year-long program is $300. A $170 deposit (which includes $20 background check service fee) is
due at the time of application. Final payment is due when you accept your enrollment position. If an applicant is
not accepted into the program, the deposit will be returned. If the applicant accepts their offered position in
the program, the deposit is non-refundable. The $20 background check service fee is non-refundable.
After accepting a position, if an applicant cancels 31 days or more before the start of field school, the Institute
will refund the tuition minus the $150 deposit. Cancellations received less than 31 days before the start of field
school will not receive a refund. For scholarship recipients, you must pay the full tuition if you cancel less than
31 days. If the Institute is forced to cancel the field school, participants will receive a full refund or transfer
option. PA Master Naturalist encourages participants to purchase travel insurance in the event of cancellations
due to unforeseen situations or emergencies. An applicant must notify PA Master Naturalist in writing of a
cancellation. PA Master Naturalist will charge a $35.00 fee for any returned checks.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Since this program involves volunteer service we require that all participants pass a criminal background and sex
offender check. You must submit the Information Release form below and $20 (service fee) so that we may
conduct this private and secure background check on each applicant. Previous background checks will not
apply. If you would like a copy of your background check, please inform us. The background check service fee is
non-refundable.
Please enclose your deposit ($150.00) and background check fee ($20) for a total for $170 with this
application (check or money order only). Make the check payable to PA Master Naturalist.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for the program are available. Scholarships generally cover 50% of the tuition costs ($150). If you
need greater support (up to 80 %), please indicate this in your application materials. To apply for a scholarship,
please fill out the Scholarship Form. *Since this is a Volunteer training program, local conservation
organizations, clubs, or businesses may be willing to sponsor your enrollment – we encourage you to seek
sponsorship from your community!
OPTIONAL APPLICANT SURVEY
We value the unique backgrounds and diversity of our participants. The Applicant Survey is NOT mandatory, but
will provide us with valuable demographic information that will help us evaluate our recruiting methods and our
progress in reaching a diverse audience. Please note, this form will be filed separately from your application and
will have no bearing on the selection process.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information or any questions please contact the Program Coordinator, Mike Burcin at 717-392-7891 x.
205 or mburcin@lancasterconservancy.org
The Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program is a partnership initiative, which aims to connect participants with
their local conservation resources, such as local parks, nature centers, preserves, natural resource professionals,
and other naturalists.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Please be careful to fully complete your application. Please type, or print neatly in dark blue or black ink. Send
all completed forms and tuition deposit/background check fee prior to the application deadline of your
preferred training course location to:
Mike Burcin
Lancaster County Conservancy
P.O. Box 716
Lancaster, PA 17609-0716
APPLICATION CHECK LIST Please remember we cannot review your application until we receive all of the completed
documents listed below:
 PMN Application Form (4 pages, signed on page 1)
 Signed Information Release form
 Scholarship Application (if applicable)
 Deposit and background check fee ($170 check made payable to PA Master Naturalist)
 Optional Applicant Survey (optional and therefore exempt from required forms; may be submitted
separately from application)
I am over 18 years of age and wish to become a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, and would like to be
accepted into the 2013 training program. I understand that I will be required to complete an informal
interview before being accepted into this year-long program. If accepted into the program, I agree that I
will attend all training sessions to include at least 55 hours of core training, 30 hours of volunteer service
and 8 hours of advanced training in the first year to become a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. I realize
that I will be required to conduct 20 hours of volunteer service for the second year and 12 hours of
advanced training annually after the first training year to maintain Pennsylvania Master Naturalist status.
Signed:__________________________________________________________________ Date:______________________
Please type or print:
Name (First, Middle, Last): Name for nametag:
Address
City State Zip County
Phone: (Home) (Work/Days) (Cell)
E-Mail: (Home) (Work)
t-shirt size: Referred by:
VOLUNTEER CORE TRAINING COURSE OPTIONS FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA
Please list your preferred course location in order of preference (1 being most preferred, 5 being least
preferred). Do not include courses for which the deadline has already passed. If you are selected for enrollment,
we will make every effort to place you in your preferred training course location. If your preferred course is full
we will place you in your next preferred course.
SPRING 2013 (application deadline for spring courses: January 14, 2013)
_____Philadelphia County: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Philadelphia, PA
_____Lancaster County: Lancaster County Conservancy, Lancaster, PA
_____Bucks County: Bucks County Conservation District/Bucks County Audubon, New Hope, PA
FALL 2013 (application deadline for fall courses: June 18, 2013)
_____Chester County: Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA
_____Bucks County: Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol, PA
For the following questions, use additional sheets if necessary.
Please provide us with a paragraph or two (either here or attached) indicating your interest in and
commitment to the program, and why you believe you are qualified.
List any training or experience in environmental education, stewardship, research or related areas. In what
area(s), if any, do you specialize; e.g. native plants, forestry, management, etc.
Why do you wish to take the Master Naturalist Training?
Please explain how you plan to use the training that you receive? What type of volunteer projects would
interest you (education/interpretation, stewardship/conservation, citizen science, program support, etc.)
How did you learn about the Master Naturalist Program?
Master Naturalist activities span a broad range of community service. If you are selected as a Master
Naturalist trainee, what times during the coming year would you NOT be available due to job, personal or
other commitments?
Please rate your expertise in the following areas with
1 = experienced 2 = some knowledge 3 = none
Amphibians Trees and Woody Plants Soils
Aquatic Insects Wildflowers and other plants Forests
Birds Natives/Invasives Lakes/Ponds
Fish Astronomy Streams and Rivers
Insects and Kin Climate Wetlands
Mammals Ecology Natural Resource Conservation
(please specify____________)
Reptiles Geology Interpretation
Please indicate your areas of interest.
Please describe any previous or current volunteer experiences.
Please list any special skills, training, interests (computer, art, writing, photography, etc.) that may be
useful to the Master Naturalist program development.
What kinds of volunteer projects are most OR least comfortable for you to do?
What do you feel are particular concerns and needs of volunteers in natural resource conservation?
All PA Master Naturalist Volunteers must comply with the Volunteer Screening Process.
Please provide us with names and contact information for the following references:
Personal/Character Reference (must be a non-family member)
Name___________________________________________________Relationship_______________________
Phone (______) ____________Address_________________________ City___________ State____Zip_______
Work or Volunteer Reference (must be a non-family member)
Name___________________________________________________Relationship_______________________
Phone (______) ____________Address_________________________ City___________ State____Zip_______
Family Member Reference
Name___________________________________________________Relationship_______________________
Phone (______) ____________Address_________________________ City___________ State____Zip_______
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense? ____Yes ____No
If yes, please give the date, nature, and disposition of offense: ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(Further explanation may be attached) A conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. A criminal record will be
considered as it relates to the specifics of the volunteer position for which you are applying. A criminal record may prevent
an individual from volunteering, depending on the nature of the offense.
Please return this application prior-to the deadline for your preferred training course location and send with
your tuition deposit ($150) plus background check service fee ($20) and signed Information Release form to:
Mike Burcin
Lancaster County Conservancy
P.O. Box 716
Lancaster, PA 17609-0716
PA Master Naturalist does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation
or disability in any of our policies or programs.
Authorization to Release Information
Please provide full names (* indicates required fields)
________________________________________________________________________
Last Name* First Name* Middle Name
______________________________________________ _________________________
Current Address* Dates Lived Here*
Addresses for the past 7 years (include street, city, zip code)* Date of Residence
____________________________________________________ ___________________
____________________________________________________ ___________________
____________________________________________________ ___________________
____________________________________________________ ___________________
______________________ _____________________________ ___________________
Date of Birth* Other Names Used (including maiden) Years Used
__________________________ _____________________________________________
Social Security Number* Driver’s License number and state of issuance
By my signature, I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct to the best of
my knowledge and belief. I authorize Pennsylvania Master Naturalist to make whatever inquiries necessary
of any person or organization to verify the information provided in this application and accurately determine
my qualifications. I understand that the inquiries required will include a criminal history and sexual offense
background check. By my signature I hereby release and hold harmless PA Master Naturalist from any and/or
all liability, which might arise in connection with the release of any information to PA Master Naturalist, in
connection with this application.
_____________________________________
*Printed Name
_____________________________________ _______________
*Signature Date
PENNSYLVANIA MASTER NATURALIST
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
At PA Master Naturalist, we are committed to making our programs accessible to as wide an audience as
possible. Limited scholarship funds are available to low-income participants, minorities, students, senior citizens,
natural resource or conservation professionals, environmental educators in non-formal settings, teachers or
qualifying individuals. In order to fairly evaluate applicants for a limited number of scholarships, we ask you to
please respond to the questions below and on the reverse. For all scholarship applicants, please send a hard
copy of this form with your Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Application Form.
NAME: DATE:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
E-MAIL:
HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE:
Program for which you are requesting a scholarship:
— for office use only —
COURSE TITLE DATE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP BALANCE
# DUE
PA Master Naturalist Program 2012 $300
Please complete both pages and return with application forms DATE NOTIFIED
ACCEPTED | DATE
TOTAL APPROVED | DATE
CATEGORY | INITIALS
PAID | DATE
Please check all that apply and provide the applicable information:
 1. Low income How many people in your household? ______________________
What is your expected family income this year? ; last year? ______________
 2. Minority Please specify______________________________________________
 3. School Teacher Grade/level Number of years teaching_______________
School name and location _________________________________________________
 4. Pre-service, teacher education students; or undergraduate or graduate students
Program Year in program_____________________
School name and location __________________________________________________
 5. Environmental educators in non-formal settings
Location ________________________________________________________________
Title Full / Part Time? (circle one)
 6. Natural Resource or Conservation professionals
Location _______________________________________________________________
Title Full / Part time? (circle one)
 7. Senior, age 60 or over Birth date (M/D/Y):___________________________
 8. Volunteers (PICE or other organization)
Program/Project Estimate number of hours in past twelve months
What is your occupation?
Why do you particularly want to participate in Pennsylvania Master Naturalist?
Why do you feel you should be selected for a scholarship?
How did you learn about this program?
If you are awarded a scholarship, please remember that your participation is integral to the program. The number of
participants selected for the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program is limited and we often have people waiting to
get into this program. If you are unable to commit to the requirements of the program upon selection, please
let us as soon as possible so we can give someone else the opportunity to participate.
Optional Applicant Survey
In an effort to further track and evaluate who applies to become a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, we invite you
to complete this voluntary and confidential applicant data survey. Please be advised that this survey is not part
of your official application and this page will be removed from your application package prior to being viewed by
any staff making selections for enrollment.
1. How did you hear about the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program?
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you know someone who has participated in the Master Naturalist program?  yes  no
If yes, Name: _______________________ year attended: _____________________________
3. What is your ethnicity?
 African American
 Alaskan Native
 Asian American
 Bi-racial or Multi-racial
 Hispanic/Latino
 Middle Eastern
 Native American
 White/Caucasian
4. What is your gender?  male  female
5. What is your family’s approximate annual income? (check one)
 Under $40,000
 $40,000-69,999
 $100,000-$124,999
 $125,000-$149,999
 $150,000-$169,999
 $170,000-$199,999
 $200,000+
Again, any information provided will not be used in making any selection decisions.